Coach charged with sex assault placed on leave

Nov. 9, 2012

Written by

Free Press Staff Writer

The Oxbow Union High School coach charged earlier this week with sexually assaulting a student more than a decade ago has been placed on paid administrative leave.

Brian Musty, 43, of Topsham has denied the allegations. Musty has worked at the Bradford school since 1994 as a health and fitness teacher and coach of the girls basketball, lacrosse and soccer teams.

The Orange County Sheriff’s Department arrested Musty Monday morning following a three-week investigation by the agency’s Special Investigations Unit. The school district placed Musty on leave “immediately following his arrest,” according to Katrina Meigs, Human Resource Director of the Orange East Supervisory Union.

“The school was not informed in advance of the arrest and was not aware of any information concerning the allegations made in connection with the arrest,” read a statement released by Meigs Friday morning. “The district is fully cooperating with law enforcement authorities in this matter.”

Orange County Sheriff Bill Bohnyak said earlier this week that Musty stands accused of assaulting a 15-year-old student over the course of three years, beginning in 1997.

Musty pleaded not guilty Wednesday in Vermont Superior Court in Chelsea to the charge of aggravated sexual assault on a minor, posted bail and was released on conditions. Musty’s attorney, R. Peter Decato of Lebanon, N.H., declined to comment on the case.

According to Meigs’ statement, Oxbow Union High School notified teachers and staff of Musty’s arrest on Tuesday, and parents and students on Wednesday.

“The needs and safety of our students and staff are our top priority,” the statement read. “If appropriate, we will provide assistance to any student, faculty or staff member who is in need of such counseling.”

If convicted of the charge, Musty would face 25 years to life in prison.